A country of such varying geographical contrasts certainly has a rich history with many Open Championship golf courses and European golf tour venues to play.
A golf trip to Scotland could include playing legendary golf courses such as St Andrews, Turnberry or Gleneagles, paired with a stay in a luxurious 5-star hotel. It's no wonder that golf in Scotland is world-renowned with all that is offered. So why not read our guide to the best-hidden gem golf courses in Scotland here.
Our recommended best Scotland golf breaks are as follows:
Check out our best stay and play golf packages in Scotland.
Golf in Fife & East Coast
Here you will find the famous "Home of Golf" St Andrews, which has hosted The Open Championship 29 times. This course is where it all began and is a bucket list course for these seeking golf breaks in Scotland. The town oozes character and charm and is dominated by the links. But, history doesn't stop there. As you tee up on the 1st hole, with the R&A headquarters overlooking, one cannot help but imagine all the players that have walked these fairways. The St Andrews facility doesn't stop there; there are eight golf courses to play on the estate.
Other courses in the region worthy of note are the charming Ladybank golf club, Kingsbarns golf club and the Dukes Course at St Andrews golf club.
The Carnoustie Hotel in Angus is another excellent hotel steeped in history and another Open venue. This fantastic property has numerous facilities, including three golf courses; The Budden, The Burnside and The Championship Links. Any stay here is a unique experience, and the course can be particularly challenging, but the whole resort is enveloped in history. The Championship Course at Carnoustie is most famous for being an integral golf course used in the Dunhill Links. However, it has also hosted an impressive eight Open Championships.
Where to stay: The St Andrews Old Course Hotel or the Fairmont St Andrews Bay.
Golf in Ayrshire, West Coast
Over to the west coast, we have another stretch of world-famous Open venues. Old Prestwick, Royal Troon and Turnberry are all links hosts of the Open Championship. When visiting, it is surprising how close these venues are to each other...truly a golfers dream location.
Starting with Trump Turnberry, The Aisla Course is the star of the show, located on the rugged coastline and overlooked by the impressive Turnberry hotel. This Resort is where the memorable "Duel in the Sun '' took place in the 1977 Open. Who wouldn't want to experience the course on which this story unravelled.
This coastline has astounding views of Aisla Craig and the Isle of Arran. Match that with extensive beaches, deep blue sea and some of the best golf in the UK; we highly recommend a golf trip to Ayrshire. We can also recommend some less well-known courses, some of which are available to non-members.
Where to stay: Trump Turnberry is a fantastic experience, although not cheap.
Golf in the Highlands
The Gleneagles Hotel is highly recommended for a golf holiday, with three championship golf courses on-site; the Kings, Queens and fantastic PGA Centenary courses. Another venue not short on history, having hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup. The estate has a blend of golfing challenge and natural beauty, lending itself to be one of the top golfing venues in the world. Other activities are available, including The Gleneagles Shooting School, The Gleneagles Equestrian School, The British School of Falconry, and Cycling, Archery, and fishing. There is also an award-winning spa.
Where to Stay: Gleneagles Hotel, a five-star luxury hotel with superb facilities
Here is our selection of the best golf courses in Scotland:
Carnoustie Golf Resort
The Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa is one of Scotland's finest golf resorts. For inspiration on other spa and golf breaks, see our expert guide.
Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club
Stay and play at the stunning Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, offering a perfect golfing weekend getaway.
Fairmont St Andrews Golf Breaks
The Fairmont is a five-star luxury in a fantastic location. In addition, we have some great value deals.
Macdonald Aviemore Resort
Macdonald Aviemore Resort at the heart of the Scottish Highlands offers a perfect golfing weekend getaway.
Macdonald Cardrona Hotel
At the heart of the Scottish Border Country, Macdonald Cardrona offers a perfect golfing weekend getaway.
Murrayshall Country House & Golf Club
Try a short weekend getaway at the heart of the Perthshire countryside.
Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
The most famous golf hotel in the world has some of the best golf breaks. In addition, we have some great value deals.
Gleneagles Golf Resort
The Gleneagles Hotel is one of the most luxurious golf resorts in the UK with outstanding golf.
Trump Turnberry Golf Resort
World-class golf breaks on world-class golf courses. We have some great value deals. Contact 360 Golf Holidays for details & advice.